Exercise apparatus for releasable installation in a doorway

ABSTRACT

A demountable exercise apparatus for installation in conventional doorways comprises a pair of parallel rectangular support members each formed of separable or foldable lower and upper sections. Each support member is provided with a series of longitudinally spaced slots or recesses, in opposed relation, which receive the extensible ends of a horizontal exercise crossbar, and is adapted to receive the ends of an expansible chinning bar. The crossbar is vertically adjustable by positioning in selected slots or recesses in said support members. The chinning bar may be used in conjunction with the vertically adjustable crossbar for performing a more diverse program of exercise, and the crossbar allows use of auxiliary equipment such as an inclined board, a weight bench, ropes and pulley, or several others.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to exercise apparatus, and more particularly to a demountable exercise apparatus for simple and easy installation in a door frame.

2. Brief Description of the Prior Art

Pierro, U.S. Pat. No. 802,312 discloses an adjustable horizontal bar which is suspended from the lintel of a door frame by a pair of clamping members. Clamps at each end of the bar secure the bar to the door jamb. Turnbuckles carried by suspending rods provide limited vertical adjustment.

Kercher, U.S. Pat. No. 829,653 discloses an exercise bar suspended between a pair of plates or brackets attached to the door jamb by wood screws or bolts. One of the plates is provided with a series of holes and the other plate is provided with a series of slots to accept the bar. The bar is secured in position by a spring loaded sliding plate member on the slotted plate.

Bardwell and Fuller, U.S. Pat. No. 1,366,155 discloses an exercise apparatus bar comprising a pair of channel brackets attachable to a door jamb by wood screws and having a series of aligned holes in the flange portions. A bar member having an eye at each end is bolted horizontally in the brackets, and may be loosened at one end to pivot vertically downward when not in use.

Johnson, U.S. Pat. No. 1,493,548 discloses an exercise apparatus comprising a pair of U-shaped upright members mountable on door jambs by an upper and lower set of clamps. One upright is provided with a series of circular holes and the other is provided with a series of square holes. A horizontal bar having one round end and one square end is received in the appropriate holes of the uprights and secured against rotational movement by the square end. A tapered locking pin placed through the protruding square end of the bar prevents it from moving endwise.

Warman, U.S. Pat. No. 3,218,068 discloses an exercising bar comprising a pair of upright channel members or side rails and a horizontal tubular member having telescoping support brackets at each end. The tubular member is provided with slots at each end to slidably receive one end of the support brackets to accomodate various door widths and prevent the tubular member from turning. The other end of the support brackets are provided with a pair of hooks which are received in slots in the web portions of the side rail channels similar to conventional adjustable shelving systems. The channels are secured to the door jamb by wood screws or the like.

Christensen, U.S. Pat. No. 3,342,484 discloses an adjustable and lockable gymnasium apparatus comprising a pair of channel members mountable on a door jamb by wood screws of the like. The channel members are provided with a series of apertures each defined by an elongated slot having a central circular configuration. A round chinning bar is provided with elongated circular cavities at each end to slidably receive a shaft member. The shaft members are provided at their extended ends with a pair of notches and transverse pins which cooperatively engage the slotted apertures of the channel members.

The prior art in general, and none of these patents in particular, disclose a demountable exercise apparatus having the versatility and simplicity and universal applicability of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One of the objects of this invention is to provide an exercise apparatus which may be installed in, and removed from conventional doorways easily and quickly.

Another object of this invention is to provide an exercise apparatus which when installed in conventional doorways will not interfere with the normal operation of the door or damage the doorway surface.

Another object of this invention is to provide an exercise apparatus having a vertically adjustable horizontal crossbar which may be used in conjunction with a chinning bar and other auxiliary equipment to provide the user with a diverse comprehensive exercise program.

Another object of this invention is to provide an exercise apparatus which will allow the user to perform isometric, calisthenic, and isotonic exercises.

Another object of this invention is to provide an exercise apparatus having a novel horizontal crossbar construction for improved support and comfort of the user.

Another object of this invention is to provide an exercise apparatus which is aesthetically pleasing, and economical to manufacture.

Another object of this invention is to provide an exercise apparatus which when disassembled forms a compact package for convenient shipping and storage.

Another object is to provide an exercise apparatus having a movable crossbar which can turn on its axle to conform to the body pressed against it during exercise.

Other objects of the invention will become apparent from time to time throughout the specification and claims as hereinafter related.

The above noted objects and other objects of the invention are accomplished by a demountable exercise apparatus for installation in conventional doorways which comprises a pair of parallel rectangular support members each formed of separable or foldable lower and upper sections. Each support member is provided with a series of longitudinally spaced slots or recesses, in opposed relation, which receive the extensible ends of a horizontal exercise crossbar, and is adapted to receive the ends of an expansible chinning bar. The crossbar is vertically adjustable by positioning in selected slots or recesses in said support members. The chinning bar may be used in conjunction with the vertically adjustable crossbar for performing a more diverse program of exercise, and the crossbar allows use of auxiliary equipment such as an inclined board, or a weight bench.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of one embodiment of the exercise apparatus installed in a conventional doorway.

FIG. 2 is an exploded isometric view the embodiment of the exercise apparatus shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a view in partial section of a chinning bar used in conjunction with the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a view in partial section of one embodiment of an extensible crossbar of the exercise apparatus.

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of another embodiment of the exercise apparatus installed in a conventional doorway.

FIG. 6 is an exploded isometric view of the embodiment of the exercise apparatus shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a vertical cross sectional view of the upper portion of a support member of the exercise apparatus.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view through the crossbar member of the apparatus of FIG. 5.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged isometric view of a portion of a slotted support member with crossbar retaining means.

FIG. 10 is a view in side elevation of another embodiment of a support member and crossbar retaining means.

FIG. 11 is a horizontal cross sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the horizontal crossbar.

FIG. 12 is a partial isometric view of another embodiment of a support member and crossbar construction.

FIG. 13 is a partial section of the crossbar retaining means of the embodiment shown in FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a partial section of another embodiment of a crossbar and retaining means.

FIG. 15 is an isometric view of the exercise apparatus supporting an inclined board.

FIG. 16 is an isometric view of the exercise apparatus supporting a weight lifting bench.

FIGS. 17, 18, 19, and 20 are illustrations of some various types of exercises which may be performed utilizing the exercise apparatus in accordance with the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to the drawings by numerals of reference, and particularly to FIGS. 1-4, there is shown a preferred embodiment of an exercise apparatus 10 installed in a conventional doorway 11. Apparatus 10 comprises a pair of parallel rectangular support members 12 each composed of a lower section 13 and an upper section 14 releasably joined by a lap joint connection 15. A pair of screws 16 pass through the tongue portions 17 of the lap joint 15 to fasten sections 13 and 14 together.

The upper and lower sections 13 and 14, have rubber feet 13a and rubber pads 14a, and are each provided with a series of longitudinally spaced cylindrical recesses 18 of sufficient diameter to receive the extensible cylindrical ends of a rectangular crossbar 19. The upper sections 14 are each provided with at least one cylindrical recess 20 near their top end of sufficient diameter to receive the ends of a conventional chinning bar 21.

Chinning bar 21 is of a conventional, commercially-available type comprising an outer tubular member 22 and a telescoping inner tubular member 23. A plug member 124 in member 23 supports a threaded rod 24 which extends through a threaded plug 125 in member 22. This mechanism allows the tubular members 22 and 23 to expand apart when rotated relative to one another in one direction, and to contract when rotated in the other direction. This chinning bar is to be used in conjunction with the present invention.

The upper and lower sections 13 and 14 when fastened together are positioned against the door jambs 25 with the circular recesses 18 and 20 of the opposing sections in horizontal alignment and the bottom of the lower sections 13 resting securely on the floor. The chinning bar 21 of the type previously described is positioned between the appropriate recesses and is rotated to extend the ends outwardly into the recesses 20 and further rotated to press the support members 12 tightly against the door jambs 25. Support members 12 are thus secured tightly in position without the need for wood screws or the like.

The rectangular crossbar 19 comprises a section of hollow rectangular tubing 26 having a length less than the width of the doorway 11 with the support members 12 in place. A coating of resilient (e.g. rubber) material 27 covers the outer surface of the rectangular crossbar 19 to provide a gripping surface. Two extendable end members 28 of solid rectangular bar are slidably received within the open ends of the rectangular tubular member 26. Each of the end members 29 has a cylindrical end 29 formed thereon of sufficient length and diameter to fit within the recesses 18 and permit rotation of the crossbar 19. Set screws 30 are provided in the tubular member 26 near each end to secure the end members 28 in an extended position.

After the chinning bar 21 is tightly in place, the crossbar 19 is positioned between the appropriate recesses 18, the end members 28 are extended outward with ends 29 profecting into the recesses 18, and the set screws 30 are tightened. In this manner, the crossbar 19 is rotatably secured into the recesses 18, and the exercises may begin.

ANOTHER EMBODIMENT

FIGS. 5, 6, 7, and 8 show another embodiment of the exercise apparatus 31. The apparatus 31 comprises a pair of parallel rectangular support members 32 having a lower section 33 and an upper section 34. The lower section 33 has a square recess 35 in its upper portion which slidably receives a square tongue portion 36 depending from the bottom portion of the upper member 34. A pair of set screws 37 in the upper portion of the lower section 33 fastens the two sections securely together.

The top portion of the upper section 34 has a square recess 38 which slidably receives a square tongue portion 39 depending from a rectangular extension member 40. The upper portion and sides of the extension member 40 have a layer of resilient material 41 to prevent the surface of the doorway 11 from being marred. The length of the tongue portion 39 is sufficient to allow vertical adjustment of the support members 32 to fit doorways of varying heights. A pair of set screws 42 in the upper portion of the upper section 34 fastens the extension member 40 securely in the upper section 34.

The lower and upper sections 33 and 34 have a series of longitudinally spaced slots 43 extending inward from one edge of the rectangular support member 32 to receive the extendable rectangular ends 44 of a removable rectangular crossbar 45. One side of each extension member 40 has a bracket 46 to receive the ends of a conventional chinning bar 47 which may be used is conjunction with the present invention.

The lower and upper sections 33 and 34, when fitted together are positioned against the door jambs with the slots 43 of the opposing sections in horizontal outwardly extending alignment and the bottom of the lower sections 33 resting securely on the floor. The extension members 40 are pressed tightly against the top of the door frame and the set screws 42 are then tightened. The chinning bar 47 is positioned between the brackets 46 and is rotated to extend the ends outwardly into the brackets 46 and further rotated to press the support members 32 tightly against the door jambs.

The rectangular crossbar 45 comprises an outer section 48 and an inner telescoping section 49 of hollow rectangular tubing with a distended length less than the width of the doorway with the support members 32 in place. A coating of resilient material 50 covers the outer surface of the rectangular crossbar 45 to provide a gripping surface. The two ends 44 of the extendable crossbar 45 are adapted to be slidably received within the slots 43 of the support members 32. The support members 32 have a series of rotating lock members 51 disposed between the open ends of the slots 43 which turn to cover the open ends and hold the crossbar 45 in place.

ANOTHER EMBODIMENT

FIG. 10 shows another alternate embodiment of an exercise apparatus 52 in accordance with the present invention. In this embodiment, the apparatus 52 comprises a pair of parallel rectangular support members 53 each composed of a lower section 54 and an upper section 55 joined together by a hinge 56 at the juncture of the top of the lower section 54 and the bottom of the upper section 55. The top portion of the upper section 55 has a square recess 57 which slidably receives a square tongue portion 58 depending from a rectangular extension member 59. The upper portion and sides of the extension member 59 have a layer of resilient material 60 to prevent the surface of the doorway from being marred. A similar layer of resilient material 61 is provided on the bottom of the lower section 54 to prevent the floor surface from being marred. The length of the tongue portion 58 is sufficient to allow vertical adjustment of the support members 53 to fit doorways of varying heights. A pair of set screws 62 disposed in the upper portion of the upper section 55 securely fastens the extension member 59 into the upper section 55.

The lower and upper sections 54 and 55 have a series of longitudinally spaced apart slots 63 extended inwardly from one edge of the rectangular support member to receive the extendable rectangular ends of a removable rectangular crossbar 64.

The upper and lower sections when unfolded are positioned against the door jambs with the slots 63 of the opposing sections in horizontal outwardly extending alignment and the bottom of the lower sections 54 resting securely on the floor. The extension members 59 are pressed tightly against the top of the door frame and the set screws 62 are then tightened.

The rectangular crossbar 64 is the same type as previously described, and is installed in the slots 63 in the same manner. A retaining strip 65 of suitable material is placed over the open ends of the slots 63 and secured in place with screws 66 to hold the crossbar 64 in place.

ANOTHER EMBODIMENT

FIG. 11 shows an alternate crossbar 67 comprising an outer section 68 of rectangular tubing having one enclosed end 69, and an inner telescoping section of hollow rectangular tubing 70 having both ends 71 and 72 enclosed. A compression spring 73 is disposed within the outer section 68 and biased between the enclosed ends 68 and 71 to urge the two sections 68 and 70 apart. The outer ends 69 and 72 of the crossbar 67 are adapted to be slidably received within the slots 63.

To install the crossbar 67 the two sections 68 and 70 are compressed sufficient to clear the support members 32 and the ends 69 and 72 are placed in the slots 63 and then the ends are released to become biased between the door jambs 25. The crossbar 67 is then secured in the slots by one of the preceeding described locking means. A coating of resilient material 74 covers the outer surface of the rectangular crossbar 67 to provide a gripping surface.

A FURTHER EMBODIMENT

FIGS. 12 and 13 show still another alternate exercise apparatus construction. In this embodiment, the upper and lower sections of the support members 75 are constructed of lengths of generally "C" shaped rectangular channel 76 having inwardly extending longitudinal surfaces 77. The surfaces 77 have a series of longitudinally spaced horizontally opposed holes 78. The extendable rectangular crossbar 79 has generally "T" shaped outer ends 80 adapted to be vertically slidably received within the channel support members 75. The outwarly extended portion of the "T" shaped ends 80 are received behind the inwardly extended longitudinal surfaces 77.

Within the end portions of the crossbar 79 there is a rectangular sliding member 81 having a rod shaped extension 82 which protrudes from a slot 83 on the upper surface of the crossbar 79. One end of the sliding member 81 has cam slots 84 which extend angularly outward and slidably carries pivotally connected rods 85. The rods 85 protrude perpendicularly outward from holes 86 on the side of the crossbar 79 in axial alignment with the holes 78 in the longitudinal surfaces 77 to be received therein. A compression spring 87 mounted in each end of the "T" portions 80 urges the sliding member 81 inwardly from the end 80 to retain the rods 85 in their extended position. When using the crossbar 79, the rods 82 are pushed outward in the slots 83, the crossbar 79 is slidably positioned at the correct height, and the rods 82 are released causing the rods 85 to enter the holes 78 and retain the crossbar 79 within the support members 75.

A FURTHER EMBODIMENT

FIG. 14 shows still another embodiment of the mechanism for attaching an extendable crossbar 88 to the support members 89. In this embodiment, a vertical hole 90 is provided in the support members 89 which passes through the slots 91. Each end of the extendable crossbar 88 has a vertically opposing pair of spring members 92 secured at one end to the interior surface of the crossbar 88. The other end of the spring members 92 have rods 93 which protrude vertically from holes 94 in the top and bottom surfaces of the crossbar 88 to enter the vertical holes 90. Buttons 95 attached to the spring members 92 protrude outward from holes 96 on the top and bottom surfaces of the crossbar 88 such that when the buttons 95 are depressed, the rods 93 will retract to clear the holes 90. When using the crossbar 88, the buttons 95 are depressed, the crossbar 88 is positioned at the correct height, and the buttons 95 are released causing the rods 93 to enter the holes 90 and retain the crossbar 88 within slots 91 of the support members 89.

OPERATION

A booklet instructing the user in specific exercises is provided with the apparatus. However, some typical exercises are illustrated herein to show the versatility of the invention. The novel rectangular crossbar provides the user with an improved gripping and support surface to provide a wide range of isometric, calisthenic, and isotonic exercises.

FIG. 15 shows the apparatus used to support an inclined board for working the abdominal muscles, and in FIG. 16, the apparatus is shown supporting a weight lifting bench. FIGS. 17, 18, 19, and 20 illustrate various ways the apparatus may be used with the crossbar at different heights or used in conjunction with a chinning bar.

The crossbar when used with the chinning bar provides the user with a two bar leverage system for supporting the body in positions not available in a one bar system. When placed near the floor, the crossbar can be gripped by the feet or hands. When placed near mid height, the crossbar allows the user to perform exercises by pushing or pulling up on the bar, or suspending the body in various positions from the bar. Stretching exercises may also be performed with the bar at mid height. Crossbar 19 rotates on its axle, i.e. ends 29, to fit the flat surface against the body of the person using the equipment.

While this invention has been described fully and completely with special emphasis upon several preferred embodiments, it should be understood that within the scope of the appended claims the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. 

I claim:
 1. An exercise apparatus for installation in a conventional doorway comprisinga pair of elongated support members, adapted to be secured vertically in parallel relation on opposite sides of a door jamb, each member comprising a separate lower section and upper section and means for securing said sections together, a plurality of vertically spaced cylindrical recesses on one side of each said support member so that pairs of said recesses are horizontally aligned when assembled in place to receive one end of a horizontal crossbar, means on the upper section of each said support member, aligned horizontally when assembled in place, to receive opposite ends of an extendable chinning bar, a horizontal crossbar having an intermediate portion of rectangular cross section having a length less than the distance between the support members when installed, retractable means in said rectangular portion with cylindrical end portions extendable therefrom to be received within said cylindrical recesses, means for maintaining said end portions in said extended position within said cylindrical recesses to permit said portion of rectangular cross section to rotate during use, an extendable and retractable chinning bar having ends adapted, in the extended position, to be received within said receiving means, and at least one of said bars being operable in the extended position to secure said support members in a fixed position against said door jamb.
 2. An exercise apparatus according to claim 1 in whichthe top of the upper section of each said support member has a vertically adjustable and lockable extension member to allow vertical adjustment of the support members to bias said support members between the top and bottom portions of doorways of varying heights, and locking means on said upper position to retain said extension member in the extended position.
 3. An exercise apparatus according to claim 2 in whichthe upper and side surfaces of said extension member have a layer of resilient material to prevent the surface of the doorway from being marred.
 4. An exercise apparatus according to claim 1 in whichthe upper and lower sections of said support members are formed for assembly together in a lap joint connection, and including screws for releasably joining the overlapping tongue portions of said lap joint connection together.
 5. An exercise apparatus according to claim 1 in whichthe lower section of each said support member has a square recess in its upper end portion, the lower end portion of said upper section of said support member has a square tongue portion depending therefrom, and adapted to fit slidably in said square recess, and a pair of set screws in the upper portion of the lower section releasably joining the two sections together.
 6. An exercise apparatus according to claim 1 in whicha hinge is secured on the lower section and upper section of each said support member to join the same together in foldable relation.
 7. An exercise apparatus according to claim 1 in whichsaid cross bar rectangular portion comprises rectangular tubing, said retractable means comprises a retractable member, with a cylindrical outer end, slidably positioned within each end of said rectangular tubing and extendable therefrom to position said cylindrical outer ends within said recesses, and means on said crossbar for maintaining said retractable member with said cylindrical outer ends in the extended position.
 8. An exercise apparatus according to claim 7 in whichsaid means for maintaining said retractable member in the extended position comprises set screws engagable therewith.
 9. An exercise apparatus according to claim 1 in whichthe outer surface of said horizontal crossbar has a coating of resilient material to provide a gripping surface thereon.
 10. An exercise apparatus according to claim 1 in whicheach said support has a cylindrical recess in the upper section thereof sized to receive the ends of said extendable chinning bar and comprising said chinning bar receiving means.
 11. An exercise apparatus according to claim 10 in whichsaid extendable chinning bar comprises two cylindrical telescoping members having ends fitting in said chinning bar receiving recesses on extension thereof.
 12. An exercise apparatus according to claim 11 in whichsaid extendable chinning bar cylindrical telescoping members are threadedly secured together and operable on rotation in one direction to extend said ends into said chinning bar receiving recesses and on rotation in an other direction to shorten and withdraw said ends therefrom.
 13. An exercise apparatus according to claim 10 in whichsaid chinning bar receiving recesses are substantially larger in diameter than said crossbar receiving recesses, and said chinning bar has cup shaped cover members fitting said chinning bar receiving recesses.
 14. An exercise apparatus according to claim 13 in whichsaid extendable chinning bar comprises two cylindrical telescoping members having ends fitting in said chinning bar receiving recesses on extension thereof.
 15. An exercise apparatus according to claim 14 in whichsaid extendable chinning bar cylindrical telescoping members are threadedly secured together and operable on rotation in one direction to extend said ends into said chinning bar receiving recesses and on rotation in an other direction to shorten and withdraw said ends therefrom.
 16. An exercise apparatus according to claim 1 in whichsaid chinning bar receiving means includes a bracket secured to one side of each side support member.
 17. An exercise apparatus according to claim 1 in whichthe bottom surface of each said support member has a layer of resilient material for protecting the floor surface from marring.
 18. An exercise apparatus according to claim 1 in whichsaid cross bar supporting cylindrical recesses in said support members are closely spaced vertically thereof.
 19. An exercise apparatus according to claim 1 assembled on the jamb of a door frame for use. 